Social Work 9 Competencies

Summary

This transcript discusses the nine competencies developed by the Council on Social Work Education and their application in a social work internship. The speaker details their experiences with ethical behavior, diversity engagement, human rights advocacy, research-informed practice, policy practice, and working with various clients. They also share insights on assessing, intervening, and evaluating practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and professional demeanor in social work.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Council on Social Work Education has developed nine core competencies that guide social work practice.
• 👤 The first competency is to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior, including making ethical decisions and using reflection and self-regulation.
• 🌐 The second competency emphasizes engaging diversity in practice, which involves learning from clients and managing personal biases.
• 💪 The third competency is about advancing human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice, advocating for rights at individual and systemic levels.
• 🔍 The fourth competency focuses on practice-informed research and research-informed practice, using research evidence to improve services.
• 🏛️ The fifth competency involves engaging in policy practice, influencing community, state, and federal policies that impact the elderly population.
• 🤝 The sixth competency is about engaging with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, using empathy and interpersonal skills.
• 📊 The seventh competency is assessing individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations, applying critical thinking to interpret information.
• 🛠️ The eighth competency involves intervening with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations, choosing and implementing interventions.
• 📈 The ninth competency is evaluating practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, using appropriate methods for outcome evaluation.

Q & A

What are the nine competencies developed by the Council on Social Work Education mentioned in the transcript?

The nine competencies are: 1) Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior, 2) Engage diversity in practice, 3) Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice, 4) Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice, 5) Engage in policy practice, 6) Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, 7) Assess in practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, 8) Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, and 9) Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

How does the speaker apply the first competency, demonstrating ethical and professional behavior, during their internship?

The speaker applies the first competency by making ethical decisions using the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws, and regulations. They communicate and collaborate with the care plan team and subscribe to advocacy groups for nursing home regulations. They also use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values, demonstrate professional demeanor in communication, and use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior.

What challenges did the speaker face while engaging with a resident at a long-term care facility under competency one?

The speaker faced challenges such as managing their instincts of protection and advocacy, reflecting on their feelings about the resident's care, and partnering with the provider without being a barrier. They also dealt with frustration due to lack of information and miscommunication, seeking counsel from their supervisor and trying to empower the resident to advocate for herself.

How does the speaker engage diversity in practice as per the second competency?

The speaker engages diversity by presenting themselves as a learner and recognizing clients as experts of their own experiences. They support the resident in advocating for herself, which is part of the value of self-determination and person-centered care.

What is the speaker's approach to managing personal biases and values when working with diverse clients?

The speaker applies self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values. They reflect on their feelings and frustrations in supervision to ensure they remain professional and do not let biases interfere with the process.

How does the speaker advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice?

The speaker advances these aspects by applying an understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at individual and systems levels. They stay informed about federal regulations regarding nursing home care and the need for person-centered care for those with Alzheimer's and other dementias.

What role does research play in the speaker's practice according to competency four?

Research plays a role in informing and improving the speaker's practice, policy, and service delivery. They use research evidence to understand the necessary care for the elderly population they serve and plan to engage in therapies like validation therapy.

How does the speaker engage in policy practice as mentioned in competency five?

The speaker engages in policy practice by being a member of various professional organizations and staying informed about community, state, and federal policies that impact the elderly. They aim to educate themselves and advocate for a better life experience for the elderly.

What interpersonal skills does the speaker use to engage with clients as per competency six?

The speaker uses empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills such as kindness, positive body language, and providing manicures to engage with clients. They also offer observations and share in the client's experiences to build connections.

How does the speaker assess the needs and preferences of the elderly population?

The speaker assesses the needs and preferences of the elderly by engaging with them at farmers markets and using a strengths-based perspective that allows for self-determination. They gather data and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients.

What interventions does the speaker implement to achieve practice goals as per competency eight?

The speaker implements interventions by shadowing a licensed social worker, gathering information, and assisting clients with financial assistance. They also negotiate, mediate, and advocate for clients, keeping the resident's needs as the priority.

How does the speaker evaluate practice outcomes with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities?

The speaker evaluates practice outcomes by selecting appropriate methods and determining whether clients can achieve their goals, such as living independently. They involve care providers and make evaluations based on observations and feedback over time.